Madlanga Commission Uncovers Widespread Police Corruption and Tender Fraud in South Africa

Inquiry Delves into Criminal Justice System Integrity

The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, widely known as the Madlanga Commission, has continued its hearings in Pretoria, South Africa, this week. Chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, the commission is investigating explosive allegations of criminal syndicates and political actors infiltrating various arms of the South African criminal justice system, including the police, intelligence services, and the judiciary.

Established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2025, the commission's mandate is to ascertain the veracity and extent of these claims, initially brought to light by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The proceedings, held at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College, have seen a series of high-profile testimonies detailing a complex web of corruption and undue influence.

Key Allegations and Witness Testimonies

Recent hearings have focused on specific instances of alleged corruption and the diversion of SAPS tender funds. Witnesses, some testifying anonymously and remotely due to safety concerns, have provided crucial evidence:

• Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo, the Crime Intelligence boss, testified on September 29, 2025, about a sophisticated organized criminal syndicate known as the 'Big Five' or 'Cartel'. This group, primarily operating out of Gauteng, is allegedly involved in drug trafficking, hijackings, tender fraud, and contract killings.
• 'Witness C', a forensic investigator and member of the Political Killings Task Team, implicated businessman Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala in paying kickbacks to senior police officials. Testimony on October 24, 2025, alleged that Matlala secured a SAPS tender, initially claimed to be worth R1.2 billion but later confirmed as R360 million for health services, through payments to officials including suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya. Matlala reportedly boasted of high-level police connections and used these names to intimidate officers.
• 'Witness A' and 'Witness B', members of the Gauteng Organised Crime Unit, provided testimony linking senior Gauteng officials to drug cartels and contract killings. 'Witness A' detailed alleged attempts by top officers, including Major General Richard Shibiri, to suppress the investigation into the murder of engineer Armand Swart. 'Witness B' further linked a former Transnet employee, Lucky Molefe, to the manipulation of Transnet tenders and the murder of Swart, alleging Molefe's protection by the 'Big Five' cartel.
• Allegations also surfaced regarding KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Major-General Lesetja Senona, who was implicated in sharing confidential police information with Matlala and facilitating a property deal for Matlala's son.

Calls for Accountability and Ongoing Investigations

The revelations have prompted strong reactions, with the Activists and Citizens Forum calling on President Ramaphosa and Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia to immediately remove all police officers implicated in corruption. The commission's work has already led to tangible consequences, such as Transnet confirming the termination of an employee's contract following evidence presented regarding tender fraud.

The Madlanga Commission is expected to continue its hearings, with 'Witness C' scheduled to return for cross-examination on October 31, 2025. The commission is mandated to deliver an interim report within three months of its establishment and a final report within six months, unless extended, with a budget of R50 million. The ongoing inquiry aims to restore integrity to South Africa's criminal justice system and ensure accountability for those involved in corruption and political interference.